System and method for providing automatic location-based imaging

ABSTRACT

An approach is provided for automatic location-based imaging. A platform receives, over a communication network, positional information corresponding to a location of a device associated with a user. The platform determines whether the location is within a zone including a pre-positioned camera and retrieves one or more images or sounds of the user from the camera based on the determination. The platform can receive the positional information in real-time or as cached positional information. The cached positional information can then be correlated with the one or more images at a later time.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Consumer adoption of mobile devices, such as cellular telephones, laptopcomputers, pagers, personal digital assistants, and the like, isincreasing. These devices can be used for a diversity of purposesranging from basic communications, to conducting business transactions,to managing entertainment media, and a host of other tasks. Additionalenhancements, such as location-awareness features, e.g., globalpositioning system (GPS) tracking, also enable mobile device users toprovide unique location-based services. One area of development has beenthe integration of these location-based services with imaging services(e.g., photography, videography, etc.) particularly when consumers visitcommonly photographed locations (e.g., theme parks and other similarattractions). Such integrated services can free consumers to enjoy thelocation rather than focusing on capturing images of the location.

Therefore, there is a need for an approach that provides high qualityautomatic imaging of a user based on the user's location within a fixedgeographical area (e.g., a theme park).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and notby way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings inwhich like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of system capable of providing automaticlocation-based imaging, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a location-based imaging platform, according toan exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a mobile device configured for providingautomatic location-based imaging, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for preparing a fixed geographicalarea to implement automatic location-based imaging, according to anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for subscribing to and initiating anautomatic location-based imaging service, according to an exemplaryembodiment;

FIG. 6A is a flowchart of a process for providing automaticlocation-based imaging, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a flowchart of a process for providing automaticlocation-based imaging based on cached location information, accordingto an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for compiling images captured using alocation-based imaging service, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for using a location-based imagingservice, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a computer system that can be used to implementvarious exemplary embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A preferred apparatus, method, and software for providing automaticlocation-based imaging are described. In the following description, forthe purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the preferred embodimentsof the invention. It is apparent, however, that the preferredembodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with anequivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring the preferred embodiments of the invention.

Although the various exemplary embodiments are described with respect toglobal positioning system (GPS) technology, it is contemplated thatvarious exemplary embodiments are also applicable to other equivalentnavigational and location determination technologies. Further, whilevarious exemplary embodiments are described with respect to mobiledevices, it is contemplated that various exemplary embodiments areequally applicable to providing automatic imaging based on spatialpositioning (or location) of stationary devices, as well as animate andinanimate objects (or things). As used herein, the term “imaging” refersto capturing still images (e.g., photographs), moving images (e.g.,videos, movies), and/or audio recordings using film-based cameras,digital cameras, cameras equipped with audio recording capabilities,audio recording devices, and the like. Accordingly, although variousexemplary embodiments are described with respect to the images of theuser, it is contemplated that various exemplary embodiments are alsoapplicable to sounds captured of the user.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of providing automaticlocation-based imaging, according to an exemplary embodiment. Aspreviously mentioned, consumers visiting locations including attractions(e.g., theme parks) typically carry cameras to take pictures or videosto preserve memories of their visit. However, capturing these images canbecome a chore for consumers and cause them to miss key moments of theirvisit. For example, a consumer may be spending more time on shootingphotographs or videos than on enjoying the location with their family,friends, or other companions. Moreover, the consumer faces otherobstacles to capturing images of the visit including the need to carrycamera equipment, lack of photography skills, and lack of access tocertain photography angles. The system 100 addresses these problems bypre-positioning cameras and/or other video or audio recording deviceswithin a fixed geographical area (e.g., a theme park) and triggering thecameras or devices to capture images (e.g., photographs and/or videos)and/or sounds (e.g., audio recordings) of the consumer based on theconsumer's location within the fixed geographical area. In addition oralternatively, the consumer's mobile device may cache the consumer'slocation and transmission to the system 100 at a later time (e.g., atthe end of the user's visit). At the end of the user's visit or at theuser's request, the system 100 can compile all images of the usercaptured during the user's visit based on the user's locationinformation for delivery to the user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 is described with respect to amechanism for providing automatic imaging based on the location of oneor more mobile devices (e.g. mobile device 101) in relation to one ormore camera zones 103 a-103 n within a fixed geographical area 105. Inone embodiment, the camera zone 103 comprises one or more pre-positionedcameras (e.g., still photography camera, video camera, other video oraudio recording devices, etc.) and a corresponding area at which thecamera or recording devices (hereinafter, referred to collectively ascameras) is pointed. Anyone entering the camera zone 103 comes withinthe target range of the pre-positioned camera(s) and can automaticallytrigger the camera(s) if the person is subscribed to the automaticlocation-based imaging service. The camera zone 103 may be marked foreasy identification by the user. The marking may include, for instance,visible markings (e.g., signs, demarcation lines, different color paint,and other similar markings), audible markings (e.g., audibleannouncement when user enters the zone 103, beeps, etc.), or otherindicators (e.g., raised platform, ridge, road bumps, etc.).

In exemplary embodiments, the mechanism may reside locally withinrespective mobile devices, such as imaging module 107 a of mobile device101, or alternatively (or additionally), may reside remotely over acommunication network 109 (e.g., data network 111, service providernetwork 113, telephony network 115, and wireless network 117), such asimaging module 107 b of location-based imaging platform 119 and imagingmodule 107 c of a server 121. The location-based imaging platform 119and/or server 121 can be maintained and operated by a service provider.In this manner, actions related to providing automatic location-basedimaging services (e.g., initiating communication sessions, providing thelocation of mobile devices, or remotely configuring mobile devices) maybe network-coordinated and/or coordinated by respective mobile devices101 a-101 n. While specific reference will be made thereto, it iscontemplated that system 100 may embody many forms and include multipleand/or alternative components and facilities.

In certain embodiments, automatic location-based imaging may be providedby utilizing the location-based imaging platform 119 in conjunction withthe imaging modules 107 a -107 c. More specifically, the spatialpositioning information of one or more mobile devices 101 a-101 n may bemonitored in relation to the one or more camera zones 103 a-103 n withinthe fixed geographical area 105, such that if the mobile device 101enters the fixed geographical area 105, the location-based imagingplatform 119 begins tracking the location of the mobile device 101 tothe determine whether the mobile device 101 is located within a camerazone 103. The camera pre-positioned within the camera zone 103 can thenbe activated either manually or automatically to capture images of theuser of the mobile devices 101. In an automatic mode of operation, thecameras within the camera zones 103 a-103 n operate continuously tocapture images of users who enter the respective camera zones 103 a-103n. In one embodiment, when the cameras are operated in an automatic orcontinuous mode of operation, the mobile device 101 need notcontinuously or periodic transmit its location information to thelocation-based imaging platform 119. Instead, the mobile device 101 maycache its location information and transmit the location information tothe location-based imaging platform 119 at a later time. Once cachedlocation-information is transmitted, the location-based imaging platform101 may use the cached location information to identify theautomatically captured images or other recordings (e.g., sounds)corresponding to the user. In this way, the mobile device 101 need nothave a continuous connection to the location-based imaging platform 119over the communication network 109.

By way of example, the location-based imaging platform 119 can identifysubjects within the captured images by correlating positionalinformation received from the mobile devices 101. In a manual mode ofoperation, the cameras can be activated by the user when the user is inthe camera zone 103 by, for instance, activating a button on the mobile101 to signal the location-based imaging platform to trigger the camera.It is also contemplated that the user may trigger the camera by lookingat the camera for a predetermined period of time. By way of example, thecamera or the location-based imaging platform 119 may employ facialrecognition technology to determine when the user is looking at thecamera. The facial recognition technology may also be used to identifythe user or other members of the user's party (e.g., friends, familymembers, etc.) in the captured images. In addition or alternatively, thelocation-based imaging platform 119 may employ audio recognitiontechnology (e.g., voice signature analysis) to identify the user inimages that have corresponding audio recordings. The platform 119 maystore images or voice signatures of the user and members of the user'sparty on initiation of the imaging service for comparison during facialor audio recognition.

The location-based imaging platform 119 and/or imaging modules 107 a-107c may operate one or more of the camera zones 103 a-103 n based on userprofile information associated with the respective mobile devices 101.Such automatic location-based imaging enables users to capture images oftheir visits to the fixed geographical area 105 (e.g., a theme park)that the users may not otherwise be able to obtain. The approachdescribed herein also enables users (or subscribers) to direct thecompilation of the images according to user-selectable templates. Thesecompilations can then be delivered to the user when the user leaves thefixed geographical area 105, at the request of the user, or according toany other defined procedure (e.g., at a predetermined time, after a setnumber of images, etc.). The delivery may be made physically (e.g., pickfrom a central kiosk, mail delivery, etc.) or electronically (e.g.,E-mail, posting to a website, etc.).

In addition, the location-based imaging platform 119 and/or imagingmodules 107 a-107 c may enable access to information (e.g., positionalinformation) and/or content (e.g., captured images) stored in theplatform 119, modules 107 a-107 c, or the user profiles database 123 viaone or more client programs or otherwise networked applications. Thatis, users may access the location-based imaging platform 119 or any ofthe imaging modules 107 a-107 c via a portal application, such as voiceportal or a web portal. In exemplary embodiments, an application forproviding the portal is deployed via location-based imaging platform119; however, it is contemplated that another facility or component ofsystem 100, such as a frontend, middleware, or backend server (e.g., theserver 121) accessible over the communication network 109, can deploythe application and, consequently, interface with the location-basedimaging platform 119. By way of example, the portal includes or providesaccess to one or more captured images or recordings, compilations ofimages, templates for making the compilations, and other information orcontent stored in location-based imaging platform, the imaging modules107 a-107 c, as well as user profile information stored to user profilesdatabase 123. In this manner, the portal enables users to inputcorresponding authentication information and, subsequently, define andmanage information, content, or functions of the location-based imagingservice. The portal also enables users to construct user profiles that,in exemplary embodiments, include user profile information (or policies)for automatically capturing location-based images and for makingcompilations of the those images. Further, the portal may be utilized byauthorized individuals to ascertain the location of a mobile device,such as mobile device 101. In this manner, location-based imagingplatform 119 may also be accessible to suitable computing devices (notshown) or suitable voice stations (not shown) with connectivity to thecommunication network 109.

Accordingly, communication network 109 enables mobile devices 101 andother similar client devices (not shown) to access location-basedimaging services (or functionality) through the location-based imagingplatform 119 and/or the imaging modules 107 a-107 c. As previouslymentioned, the communication network 109 includes one or more wirelineand/or wireless network such as a data network 111, service providernetwork 113, telephony network 115, and wireless network 117. Networks111, 113, 115, and 117 may be any suitable wireline and/or wirelessnetwork. For example, data network 111 may be any local area network(LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), theInternet, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as acommercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network having voiceover internet protocol (VoIP) capabilities, e.g., a proprietary cable orfiber-optic network. Telephony network 115 may include acircuit-switched network, such as the public switched telephone network(PSTN), an integrated services digital network (ISDN), a private branchexchange (PBX), or other like network. Meanwhile, wireless network 117may employ various technologies including, for example, code divisionmultiple access (CDMA), enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE),general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobilecommunications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS),universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as anyother suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), wirelessfidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like.

Although depicted as separate entities, networks 111-117 may becompletely or partially contained within one another, or may embody oneor more of the aforementioned infrastructures. For instance, thecommunication network 109 and/or the service provider network 113 mayembody circuit-switched and/or packet-switched networks that includefacilities to provide for transport of circuit-switched and/orpacket-based communications. It is further contemplated that networks111-117 may include components and facilities to provide for signalingand/or bearer communications between the various components orfacilities of system 100. In this manner, networks 111-117 may embody orinclude portions of a signaling system 7 (SS7) network, or othersuitable infrastructure to support control and signaling functions.

Accordingly, automatic location-based imaging and/or user access of thelocation-based imaging platform 119 may be initiated or performed overone or more of networks 111-117 of the communication network 109. Assuch, mobile devices 101 a-101 n are client devices including anycustomer premise equipment (CPE) capable of sending and/or receivinginformation over one or more of networks 111-117. For instance, in oneembodiment, a mobile device 101 (e.g., a voice station) may be anysuitable plain old telephone service (POTS) device, facsimile machine,etc. In another embodiment, the mobile device 101 may be any cellularphone, radiophone, satellite phone, smart phone, wireless phone, or anyother suitable mobile device, such as a personal digital assistant(PDA), pocket personal computer, tablet, customized hardware, etc.Further, the mobile device 101 may be any suitable computing device,such as a VoIP phone, skinny client control protocol (SCCP) phone,session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, IP phone, personal computer,softphone, workstation, terminal, server, etc.

Client devices such as the mobile device 101 can include one or moreclient programs (e.g., imaging module 107 a-107 c) that operate thereonfor providing access to the automatic location-based imaging services ofsystem 100. According to one embodiment, these client programs mayrelate to one or more GUIs configured to interface with the variousservices (or functions) of system 100, such as creating, customizing,and managing user profiles or managing the location-based imagingservices. Additionally, the GUIs may be configured to facilitate theacquisitioning, exchanging, managing, sharing, storing, and updating ofautomatically captured location-based images or user profiles betweenand among the subscribers to the service of system 100. The GUIapplications may interface with the aforementioned web portal orotherwise networked application.

The user profiles database 123 may include information corresponding tothe users (or subscribers) of the automatic location-based imagingservice of system 100, such as user profile information includinginformation, preferences, or policies for automatically capturing,transferring, or compiling images of the user with the fixedgeographical area 105. By way of example, user profile informationincludes subscription information (e.g., account numbers, usernames,passwords, security questions, monikers, etc.), subscriber demographics(e.g., age, gender, ethnicity, location of residence, zip code, schooldistrict, community, socioeconomic status, religion, marital status,ownerships, languages, mobility, life cycles, etc.),group/organizational affiliations (e.g., political), memberships,interests, system configurations, policies, associated users/devices,etc. In other instances, user profile information also includeshistorical and/or real-time spatial positioning information relating tothe spatial position or location of mobile devices 101 associated withthe user profile.

Accordingly, it is contemplated that the physical implementation of theuser profiles database 123 and other information databases (not shown)of system 100 may take on many forms, including, for example, portionsof existing databases of a service provider, new databases of a serviceprovider, third-party databases, and/or shared databases. As such, thedatabase 123 may be configured for communication over system 100 throughany suitable messaging protocol, such as lightweight directory accessprotocol (LDAP), extensible markup language (XML), open databaseconnectivity (ODBC), structured query language (SQL), and the like, aswell as combinations thereof. In those instances when databases ofsystem 100 (e.g., the database 123) are provided in distributed fashion,information and content available via the database may be locatedutilizing any suitable querying technique, such as electronic numbermatching, distributed universal number discovery (DUNDi), uniformresource identifiers (URI), etc.

Although the automatic location-based imaging service is described withrespect to the mobile device 101, it is recognized that the imagingfunctions can be applied to any device capable of transmitting itslocation to the location-based imaging platform 119 or performing theprocesses described herein. Such devices may, in certain embodiments,include the server 121 or other similar device. In other embodiments, alocation module (such as location module 301 of FIG. 3) may be attached(or otherwise associated with) an animate or inanimate object (orthing), such that one or more location-based imaging function (e.g.,image capture) may be initiated or performed based on the spatialpositioning (or location) of the animate (e.g., a user) or inanimateobject (e.g., a thing). According to other exemplary embodiments, themobile device 101 may be attached to (or otherwise associated with) ananimate or inanimate object, such that automatic location-based imagingservice be initiated or performed based on the spatial positioning (orlocation) of the animate or inanimate thing with the fixed geographicalarea 105.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a location-based imaging platform, according toan exemplary embodiment. Location-based imaging platform 119 maycomprise computing hardware (such as described with respect to FIG. 9),as well as include one or more components configured to execute theprocesses described herein for providing the automatic location-basedimaging service. In one implementation, platform 119 includes an imagingmodule 107, metadata module 201, compilation module 203, recognitionmodule 205, communication interface 207, online interface 209, andprocessor (or controller) 211. Platform 119 may also communicate withone or more databases, such as a camera zones database 213, imagesdatabase 215, and user profiles database 123. Users may access platform119 (or the features and functionality provided thereby) via the mobiledevice 101 or similar client devices. While specific reference will bemade to this particular implementation, it is also contemplated thatplatform 119 may embody many forms and include multiple and/oralternative components. For example, it is contemplated that thecomponents of platform 119 may be combined, located in separatestructures, or separate locations.

According to one embodiment, platform 119 embodies one or moreapplication servers accessible to the mobile device 101 over thecommunication network 109. Users (or subscribers) can access platform119 to create, customize, and manage the automatic location-basedimaging service, as well as generate and modify one or more userprofiles that, in exemplary embodiments, include user profileinformation for initiating or performing one or more functions of theplatform 119 or imaging module 107. It is contemplated that the imagesof the user may be automatically captured by cameras in the camera zones103 based on real-time or cached positional information corresponding tothe location of mobile devices 101 and, in certain instances,correlation with user profile information. As such, platform 119provides a user interface, e.g., web portal or otherwise networkedapplication, to permit user access to the features and functionality ofplatform 119 via the mobile device 101. According to certainembodiments, online interface module 209 may be configured forexchanging information between the mobile device 101 and a web browseror other network-based application or system, such as a voice browser orinteractive voice recognition system.

In exemplary embodiments, online interface module 209 executes agraphical user interface (GUI) configured to provide users with one ormore menus of options for creating, customizing, and managing userprofiles, as well as engaging with the features of the location-basedimaging service (or functionality) of system 100, such as triggering thecapture of one or more images (e.g., photographs and/or videos)corresponding to the location of respective mobile devices 101,transferring one or more of the captured images to mobile devices 101associated with respective users, compiling images captured over aperiod of time according to user-selectable templates, delivering thecompilation of images to the users of respective mobile devices 101,etc.

According to exemplary embodiments, the location-based imaging platform119 is also configured to receive real-time or cached positionalinformation corresponding to the respective locations of one or moremobile devices (e.g., mobile device 101). Real-time positionalinformation may be obtained from mobile devices 101 and, thereby,tracked via imaging module 107. Additionally (or alternatively), theimaging module 107 may “poll” mobile devices 101 for real-timepositional information. In another embodiment, the imaging module 107may receive all or a portion of the positional information as cachedinformation from the mobile devices (e.g., information that is stored inthe mobile devices 101 and then subsequently transmitted to the imagingmodule 107). Based on the positional information of a mobile device 101and user profile associated with the mobile device 101, the imagingmodule 107 determines whether the location of the mobile device 101 iswithin a camera zone 103 and can activate the pre-positioned camerawithin the camera zone 103 to capture an image of the user. If thepositional information has been cached or transmitted in non-real time,the imaging module may correlate the received cached positionalinformation against previously captured images corresponding to thepositional information. In one embodiment, the imaging module 107initiates reception of positional information from the mobile device 101when it's positional information indicates that the mobile device 101has entered into the fixed geographical area 105 and stops reception ofthe positional information when the mobile device 101 exits the fixedgeographical area 105. When operating in a cached mode, the imagingmodule 107 may receive the cached positional information when the mobileexits the fixed geographical area 105.

Information related to the location and configuration of each camerazone 103 (e.g., camera coverage area, camera configuration, visiblelandmarks or attractions, angle of images, etc.) is stored and retrievedfrom, for instance, the camera zones database 213 via the communicationinterface 207. Similarly, the imaging module 107 stores and retrievescaptured images in the images database 215 via the communicationinterface 207. In some embodiments, the imaging module 107 canimmediately or at the request of the user transmit the capture images tothe mobile device 101 associated with the user. In other embodiments,the imaging module 107 can interact with the recognition module 205 todetermine when the user associated with the mobile device 101 is, forinstance, looking at the camera for predetermined period of time toinitiate activation of the camera or speaking within proximity of thecamera. For example, a user is informed that he or she is in a camerazone 103 and the location of the associated pre-positioned camera can beidentified (e.g., via a sign, marker, or the like). Accordingly, to havean image captured within the camera zone 103, the user can look at thepre-positioned camera to trigger the camera, speak (e.g., predeterminedphrases such as “take picture”), or make other recognizable sounds. Ifthe camera is video-capable, the camera may capture video segments ofthe user when the user's face is visible within the camera frame or whenthe user's voice is recognized within proximity of the camera. In yetanother embodiment, the recognition module 205 can identify the mostexciting captured images by, for instance, identifying the facialexpressions of the subjects in the photographs or identifying laughteror other sounds of excitement (e.g., screaming, clapping, etc.). Forexample, the recognition module 205 can identify when subjects arelaughing or have facial expressions indicating smiles, laughter, orexcitement and then quantify the number of subjects with suchexpressions. Images containing subjects with a higher number orpercentage of such sounds or expressions can be categorized as moreexciting.

After capturing one or more images of the user, the imaging module 107can direct the metadata module 201 to, for instance, add descriptivemetadata to the image file. By way of example, the metadata may describethe date, time, location, weather, nearest attraction, recognized faces,etc. It is contemplated that the user, the service provider, or otheroperator of the automatic location-based imaging service can determinethe specific metadata to associate with captured images. By way ofexample, the imaging module 107 or the user can search, organize, orotherwise manipulate the captured images using queries of the metadataassociated with the captured images.

Once the imaging module 107 has completed an image capturing session,the module 107 can interact with the compilation module 203 to compilein the captured images for presentation and/or delivery to the user. Byway of example, the end of an image capturing session can be signaled bythe following: (1) when the received positional information indicatesthat user has exited the fixed geographical area; (2) after a fixedperiod of time as determined by the user (e.g., in the user profilesdatabase 123), the service provider, or other operator of the service;(3) when the user manually directs the imaging module 107 to end thesession via, for instance, the mobile device 101; (4) after apredetermined number (or duration, in the case of video) of images hasbeen captured; or (5) any combination thereof. In one embodiment, theuser selects one or more predefined templates for the compilation module203 to use in compiling the images. For example, the predefinedtemplates specify the style of scene transitions, specific cameraangles, overlay type style, narrative style, pacing, musicalaccompaniment, sound effects, etc. In one embodiment, the predefinedtemplates may be created by notable individuals or celebrities (e.g.,famous directors, actors, artists, public figures, etc.). In addition,the compilation may select the specific images to include in thecompilation according to the template, the metadata associated with thecaptured images, and/or user selection. According to certainembodiments, the compilation module 203 may initiate the delivery of thecompilation on a physical format (e.g., DVD, flash memory, etc.) or viaelectronic mechanisms (e.g., E-mail, posting to a website for downloadby the user, transmitting to the user's mobile device 101, etc.).

It is also contemplated that the aforementioned web portal (or networkedapplication) provided by (or accessed through) online interface module209, can be utilized to initiate or perform one or more functions of thelocation-based imaging platform 119. Online access via the module 209can be useful when the user would like to preview images, select images,initiate compilation of images, etc., from a device other than themobile device 101. For example, the user may access the functions of thelocation-based imaging platform 119 using a personal computer to providea larger screen to view captured images.

Accordingly, to provide selective access to the features andfunctionality of the automatic location-based imaging service (orfunctionality) of system 100, the location-based imaging platform 119may also include an authentication module (not illustrated) forauthenticating (or authorizing) users to the services. It iscontemplated that the authentication module may operate in concert withcommunication interface 207 and/or online interface module 209. That is,the authentication module may verify user provided credentialinformation acquired via communication interface 207 or online interfacemodule 209 against corresponding credential information stored within auser profile of user profiles database 123. By way of example, thecredential information may include “log on” information corresponding toa user name, password, coded key, or other unique identificationparameter, such a personal identification number (PIN). In otherembodiments, the credential information may include any one, orcombination of, a birth date, an account number (e.g., bank, creditcard, billing code, etc.), a social security number (SSN), an address(e.g., work, home, IP, media access control (MAC), etc.), or telephonelisting (e.g., work, home, cellular, etc.), as well as any other form ofuniquely identifiable datum, e.g., biometric code, voice print, etc.Users may provide this information via the mobile device 101 or similarclient device, such as by spoken utterances, dual-tone multi-frequencysignals (DTMF), packetized transmission, or other suitable method.Unobtrusive security may be provided by positively identifying andscreening users based on one or more of the aforementioned credentialsthat may be seamlessly provided when the mobile device 101 communicateswith the platform 119, such as a unique IP or MAC address. Otherunobtrusive measures can be made available via user specific voiceprints, etc.

Additionally, the platform 119 may include one or more processors (orcontrollers) 211 for effectuating the location-based imaging service, aswell as one or more memories (not shown) for permanent or temporarystorage of one or more of the previously described control commands,parameters, camera zones 103, captured images, user selections, userprofile information, variables, etc.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a mobile device configured for providingautomatic location-based imaging, according to an exemplary embodiment.A mobile device 101 may comprise computing hardware (such as describedwith respect to FIG. 9), as well as include one or more componentsconfigured to execute the processes described herein for providingautomatic location-based imaging. In this example, the mobile device 101includes imaging module 107, location module 301, triggering module 303,image receipt module 305, audio interface 307, controller (or processor)309, display 311, keyboard 313, memory 315, radio circuitry 317 coupledto antenna 319, and wireless controller 321. While specific referencewill be made thereto, it is also contemplated that mobile device 101 mayembody many forms and include multiple and/or alternative components.

According to various embodiments, mobile device 101 is configured totransmit real-time or cached positional information corresponding to itslocation to the location-based imaging platform 119. In return, thelocation-based imaging platform 119 correlates the location to one ormore predefined camera zones 103 within the fixed geographical area 105to initiate automatic location-based images. The activation of the oneor more pre-positioned cameras within the camera zone 103 and thesubsequent capturing of one or more images can be based further on userprofile information associated with the mobile device 101. It iscontemplated, however, that mobile device 101 may, in certain otherembodiments, assume one or more of the aforementioned responsibilitiesof the location-based imaging platform 119 or function in concert withthe location-based imaging platform 119. As such, mobile device 101includes one or more client programs (or instructions) (e.g., theimaging module 107) that operate thereon to access and/or execute thesefunctions; however, it is contemplated that these client programs may beexecuted by platform 119 (or another facility of system 100) and,thereby, accessible to users via the mobile device 101.

The client programs may relate to one or more GUIs configured to controlthe functions of the automatic location-based imaging service, as wellas the generation and modification of one or more user profiles that, inexemplary embodiments, include user profile information for initiatingor performing one or more functions of the location-based imagingservice. Network browser applications may be provided for accessingsimilar applications made available by, for example, the location-basedimaging platform 119. Users may interface with these client programs viaaudio interface 307, display 311, keyboard 313, and/or any othersuitable input mechanism, e.g., buttons, joysticks, soft controls, touchpanels, widget applications, etc. Audio interface 307 may include one ormore components and corresponding functionality for effectuating a voiceinterface, e.g., speech synthesis technology and voice recognitioncapabilities.

Accordingly, the one or more client programs may be stored to memory315, which may include volatile and/or non-volatile memory, such aserasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, random accessmemory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), etc. Memory 315 may be implementedas one or more discrete devices, stacked devices, or integrated withcontroller 309. In addition, communication signals, such as voice calls,short messages, multimedia messages, and control signals, received bymobile device 101 may also be stored to memory 315.

Real-time or cached positional information may be obtained or determinedvia location module 301 using, for example, GPS technology. In this way,location module 301 can behave as a GPS receiver. Thus, mobile device101 employs location module 301 to communicate with a constellation 125of satellites. These satellites 125 transmit very low power interferenceand jamming resistant signals that can be received by location module301. At any point on Earth, location module 301 can receive signals frommultiple GPS satellites. Specifically, location module 301 may determinethree-dimensional geolocation (or spatial positional information) fromsignals obtained from at least four satellites. Measurements fromsatellite tracking and monitoring stations located around the world areincorporated into orbital models for each satellite to compute preciseorbital or clock data. GPS signals are transmitted over two spreadspectrum microwave carrier signals that are shared by GPS satellites125. Therefore, if mobile device 101 can identify the signals from atleast four satellites 125, location module 301 may decode the ephemerisand clock data, determine the pseudo range for each satellite 125 and,thereby, compute the spatial position of a GPS receiving antenna (notshown). With GPS technology, mobile device 101 can determine its spatialposition with great accuracy and convenience.

Additionally, mobile device 101 may employ A-GPS (assisted-GPS) tomitigate the loss of GPS signals from obstructions between the locationmodule 301 and satellites 125. When operating in A-GPS mode, mobiledevice 101 can provide for better in building or obstructed view spatialpositional information. Assistance data can be transmitted to mobiledevice 101 from, for example, wireless network 117. In an exemplaryembodiment, A-GPS information may include ephemeris data, differentialGPS correction data, timing data, and other aiding data. Using theaiding (or assistance) data, location module 301 performs spatialpositioning calculations via, for example, controller (or processor)309. In an exemplary embodiment, mobile device 101 can generatereal-time or cached speed and route adherence alerts using thiscalculated information. Additionally, transmission of the spatialpositional information need not be frequent; in fact, positionalinformation may be cached and then transmitted at a later time. Further,transmission of the geolocation data can be made more compact because itis true location rather than pseudo range data. Also, mobile device 101can more intelligently request assistance data because the device canitself determine when ephemeris data is no longer valid. It is alsocontemplated that other suitable navigation and location determinationtechnologies may be utilized, such as advanced forward linktrilateration (A-FLT), enhanced cellular identification (CELL-ID),wireless local area network (WLAN) positioning, etc. In any case,determined spatial positional information may be transmitted to thelocation-based imaging platform 119 via radio circuitry 317 and/orwireless controller 321. It is generally noted that wireless controller321 may also be utilized to communicate with a wireless headset 323.Headset 323 can employ any number of standard radio technologies tocommunicate with wireless controller 321; for example, headset 323 canbe BLUETOOTH™ enabled. It is contemplated that other equivalent shortrange radio technology and protocols can be utilized.

Received information, such as spatial positioning information, capturedimages, incoming communication sessions, one or more pages of GUIcontent, etc., may be presented to users via display 311. Mobile device101 is also configured to store and execute instructions for supportingthe location-based imaging services of system 100 via the imaging module107, as well as other communication functions made available via radiocircuitry 317. In this manner, controller 309 controls the operation ofmobile device 101 according to programs and/or data stored to memory315. Control functions may be implemented in a single controller (orprocessor) or via multiple controllers (or processors). Suitablecontrollers may include, for example, both general purpose and specialpurpose controllers, as well as digital signal processors, localoscillators, microprocessors, and the like. Controller 309 may also beimplemented as a field programmable gate array controller, reducedinstruction set computer processor, etc. Controller 309 may interfacewith audio interface 307 that provides analog output signals to one ormore speakers (not shown) and receives analog audio inputs from one ormore microphones (not illustrated).

According to some embodiments, mobile device 101 includes imaging module107, location module 301, triggering module 303, and image receiptmodule 305 for assuming one or more of the aforementioned functionsdescribed with respect to the location-based imaging platform 119. Byway of example, the triggering module 303 may be used by the mobiledevice 101 to trigger the activation of a pre-positioned camera with acamera zone 103 rather than having the platform 119 trigger theactivation. The triggering module 303, for instance, enables the user ofthe mobile device 101 to trigger activation of the camera by actuating abutton or other command on the mobile device 101 to signal the platform119 to activate the pre-positioned camera in the camera zone 103 inwhich the mobile device 101 is located. The platform 119 can thentransmit the captured images to the image receipt module 305 of themobile device 101 via the radio circuitry 317.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for preparing a fixed geographicalarea to implement automatic location-based imaging, according to anexemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 4 is an example of a processthat a provider of a location-based imaging service employs to initiateautomatic location-based imaging within a fixed geographical area 105.In step 401, the service provider defines the extent of the fixedgeographical area 105 for providing the location-based imaging service.For example, the fixed geographical area 105 may correspond to the areaof a current location or attraction (e.g., a theme park, touristattraction, museum, public arena, nature park, etc.). More specifically,the geographical boundaries may be delineated by specifying thegeographical coordinates (e.g., longitude/latitude) corresponding tolocation points along the boundary. Geographical coordinates fallingwithin this boundary may are then considered to be within the fixedgeographical area 105.

The service provider then defines one or more camera zones 103 withinthe fixed geographical area 105 (step 403). The camera zones 103 may bedefined to capture images and/or other recordings at various locationswithin the fixed geographical area 105. By way of example, if the fixedgeographical area 105 is a theme park, the service provider may definethe camera zones 103 to cover rides and other attractions. It iscontemplated that the service provider may define any number of camerazones 103 including enough camera zones 103 to cover the entire area ofthe fixed geographical area 105. Moreover, it is contemplated that theservice provider may define overlapping camera zones 103 to, forinstance, enable capture of images from various angles or provideredundant camera capabilities. After defining the camera zones 103, theservice provider pre-positions one or more cameras in each camera zone103 to enable capture of images (step 405). These cameras are, forinstance, high resolution still and/or video cameras. The cameras mayinclude audio recording capabilities or may be paired with separateaudio recording devices. In certain embodiments, the service providercan mark (e.g., visible or audible marking) the camera zones 103 and thecorresponding location of the one or more cameras within the camera zone103. In this way, users can easily identify at which locations thelocation-based imaging service is active. In addition or alternatively,the location-based imaging platform 119 and/or the mobile device canalert the user on the mobile device 101 when the user enters a camerazone 103.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for subscribing to and initiating anautomatic location-based imaging service, according to an exemplaryembodiment. For illustrative purposes, the process of FIG. 5 isdescribed with respect to a network-coordinated service and, thereby,with reference to FIG. 1. It is noted that the steps of the process maybe performed in any suitable order, as well as combined or separated inany suitable manner. At step 501, the location-based imaging platform119 subscribes a user to the automatic location-based imaging service ofsystem 100. According to one embodiment, the user may subscribeutilizing a client device capable of processing and transmittinginformation over the communication network 109 such as the mobile device101 or similar client device. Namely, the user may interact with aninput interface of, for example, mobile device 101 to activate softwareresident on the device, such as a GUI or other networked applicationthat interfaces with (or is implemented by) the location-based imagingplatform 119. As such, the user can register as a new subscriber of thelocation-based imaging service, as well as obtain sufficientauthentication information for establishing future sessions with theplatform 119. In certain embodiments, registration procedures may promptthe user to identify all mobile devices, such as mobile device 101, thatthe user may employ to interact with the location-based imaging serviceof system 100. In this manner, registered devices may be logicallyassociated with the user and, in certain instances, enable the platform119 to group images captured among multiple devices associated with thesingle user. For example, mobile devices 101 associated with members ofa family visiting a theme park can group pictures of the members of thefamily even if the members are located in different locations within thetheme park.

Once the user is registered, the location-based imaging platform 119enables the user, per step 503, to generate a user profile specifyingpreferences including whether to take still pictures, videos, or both;whether to automatically take pictures or wait for manual triggering bythe user; the number of pictures or length of the video; favoritelocations within the fixed geographical area 105; compilation templatesto use; delivery mechanism; delivery format; period for capturingimages; etc. The user profile may also include the earlier describeduser profile information, e.g., username, password, account information,billing information, configuration information, and the like.

After generating a user profile, location-based imaging platform 119stores the user profile to, for instance, a list of subscribers to thelocation-based imaging service of system 100, as well as a list ofsubscriber device identifiers, authentication information, anduser-defined profile(s) to user profiles database 123, per step 505. Itis contemplated that platform 119 may store or synchronize thisinformation to a memory of, for instance, platform 119, one or morememories of the mobile device 101, or any other suitable storagelocation of system 100. Further, it is contemplated that users maydirectly interact with one or more of these storage locations orfacilities, such as user profiles database 123.

At step 507, the platform 119 may receive positional information (e.g.,real-time or cached positional information) from the mobile device 101associated with user to initiate the location-based imaging service. Ifthe positional information indicates that the mobile device 101 iswithin the fixed geographical area 105, the platform 119 initiatesreception and tracking of the user's positional information within thefixed geographical area 105 for activating the location-based imagingservice (step 509). If the positional information of the mobile device101 indicates that the mobile device 101 is outside of the fixedgeographical area 105, the platform 119 ends reception and tracking ofthe user's positional information (step 511). In this way, thelocation-based imaging service is active only when the mobile device 101is within the fixed geographical area 105 or when the mobile transmitspositional information to the platform 119.

FIG. 6A is a flowchart of a process for providing automaticlocation-based imaging, according to an exemplary embodiment. Forillustrative purposes, the process of FIG. 6 assumes that the serviceprovider has completed the process of FIG. 4 to prepare the fixedgeographical area 105 for providing a location-based imaging service andthe user has completed the process of FIG. 6 to subscribe to andinitiate the service. In step 601, the location-based imaging platform119 receives positional information corresponding to a location of themobile device 101 associated with the user. In one embodiment, thepositional information is received at predetermined intervals rangingfrom continuous to any frequency specified by the user or the serviceprovider (e.g., once every 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds,etc.). In another embodiment, the positional information may betransmitted manually from the mobile device 101 to the platform 119 atthe user's request.

On receiving the positional information from the mobile device 101, theplatform 119 determines whether the location of the mobile device 101 iswithin one or more camera zones 103 of the fixed geographical area 105(step 603). If the mobile device 101 is within one or more camera zones103, the platform 119 determines from, for instance, the user profileassociated with the mobile device 101 whether the location-based imagingservice should be operated in an automatic mode, manual mode, or both(step 605). If the service is to be operated in a manual mode, theplatform 119 waits to detect a signal from the mobile device 101 toactivate the pre-positioned camera or cameras within the camera zone 103(step 607). In addition or alternatively, the platform 119 may detect atriggering signal by determining whether the user associated with themobile device 101 has looked at the pre-positioned camera within thecamera zone for a predetermined period of time. Such detection can beperformed using, for instance, the facial recognition module 205 of theplatform 119.

If the platform 119 is configured to operate in an automatic mode orboth an automatic and manual mode simultaneously, the platform 119initiates retrieval of images of the user from the positioned camera orcameras within the camera zone 103 according to the user profileassociated with the mobile device 101 (step 609). In one embodiment,retrieval may include either activating the camera or requesting imagesfrom a memory storage or image database associated with the camera. Forexample, the user profile may direct the camera to take a certain numberof still pictures of the user while the mobile device is within thecamera zone 103. If the user profile specifies capturing images as videosegments, the platform 119 may activate the video camera whenever themobile device 101 is within the corresponding camera zone 103. Inanother embodiment, the camera may be automatically activated based onfacial recognition. For example, the still or video camera willautomatically capture images of the user, for instance, when the user'sface is visible, when the user is smiling, when the user is looking atthe camera, etc. In other embodiments, the camera may operatecontinuously to record images, and the platform need not activate thecamera.

After capturing the image, the platform 119 adds metadata to the images(step 611). As described previously, metadata adds descriptiveinformation (e.g., location, date, time, etc.) to the image to enable,for instance, querying and sorting. The platform 119 can also optionallytransmit the captured images or a subset of the captured images to themobile device 101 immediately or within a predetermined time period ofcapturing the image (step 613). The preferences and configuration fortransmitting images (e.g., which images and what formats, etc.) can bespecified in the user profile associated with the mobile device 101.

FIG. 6B is a flowchart of a process for providing automaticlocation-based imaging based on cached location information, accordingto an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 6B describes anembodiment of the system 100 in which positional information is providedin non-real time. In step 621, the location-based imaging platform 119receives cached (e.g., non-real time) positional informationcorresponding to the location of the mobile device 101 collected over aperiod of time. By way of example, when operating in a cached mode, themobile device 101 tracks and stores its location information locally atthe mobile device without simultaneously transmitting the location-basedimaging platform 119. The mobile device can then transmit the cachedlocation information to the platform 119 at the end of the user's visitto the fixed geographical area 105 or at predetermined scheduled (e.g.,every hour).

On receipt of the cached positional information, the platform 119correlates the route and timing of the route contained in the positionalinformation associated with images captured by the various cameras inthe camera zones 103. In one embodiment, when the mobile device 101 isoperating is a cached mode, the camera zones 103 may operate in anautomatic or continuous mode whereby images are captured continuously orperiodically by the cameras. The platform 119 stores the automaticallycaptured images and then compares the cached positional informationagainst the locations and times associated with the captured images tocorrelate the images containing the user of the mobile device 101 to thecached positional information (step 623). For example, the platform 119identifies the camera zones 103 corresponding to the cached positionalinformation and retrieves the images captured in those zones 103 basedon the known positions of the cameras. The positions of cameras arestored with positional attributes indicating, for instance, the location(e.g., GPS coordinates, height, etc.) as well as camera attributes suchas pan, zoom, tilt, focus, crest of field, etc. The platform 119 canthen use these stored attributes to compare against the cachedpositional information to select images or sounds that include the user.In addition or alternatively, the platform 119 may employ facial and/oraudio recognition to identify images of user of the mobile device 101from among the captured images.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a process for compiling images captured using alocation-based imaging service, according to an exemplary embodiment.The process of FIG. 7 assumes that the location-based imaging platform119 has completed an image capturing sessions per the process of FIG. 6and is ready to compile the captured images. In step 701, thelocation-based imaging platform 119 receives input from a user forselecting one or more of the images of the user that has been capturedby the platform 119. In one embodiment, the input may specify particularimages based on previewing the set of captured images. In addition oralternatively, the input may specify search terms for selecting capturedimages by querying the metadata associated with the captured images. Inyet another embodiment, the platform 119 may select pictures based onpreferences specified in the user profile associated with the mobiledevice 101. In some cases, an input for selecting one or more imagesneed not be made. In which case, the platform 119 can assume that theuser would like a compilation of all captured images.

The platform 119 then compiles the selected images for presentation tothe user according to a user-selectable template (step 703). In oneembodiment, the compilation is a movie incorporating the selected imagesinto the selected template. If the captured images are primarily stillphotography, the compilation can instead be a slideshow createdaccording to a template. The template may be selected in the userprofile or at the time the pictures are selected for compilation. Asdiscussed previously, the template provides a structure for organizingthe captured images into a polished presentation. The template canpresent the images in a variety of styles and formats including thosecreated by celebrities including, e.g., famous directors orcinematographers. In addition, the template can include narration,music, sound effects, graphics, special effects, closed captioning, andthe like.

After compiling the images, the platform 119 initiates delivery of thecompilation to the user (step 705). The mechanism and format fordelivery can be specified by the user profile or by the user. By way ofexample, the mechanism of delivery can include both physical mechanism(e.g., creating a DVD or CD-ROM of the compilation) or electronicdelivery (e.g., transmitting the compilation to the mobile device 101,posting the compilation to a website for download by the user, E-mailingthe compilation, etc.).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a process for using a location-based imagingservice, according to an exemplary embodiment. The process of FIG. 8illustrates using a location-based imaging service from the perspectiveof a user. In step 801, the user initiates the location-based imagingservice by subscribing to the service. For example, the user arrangeswith the service provider to subscribe to the location-based imagingservice when visiting a fixed geographical area 105 (e.g., a theme park)in which such service is available. Subscribing to the service includes,for instance, creating an account with the service provider, arrangingfor payment, verifying the compatibility of the user's mobile device 101with the service, creating a user profile, specifying preferences andconfiguration, etc.

After subscribing to the service, the user enters the fixed geographicalarea 105 associated with the service (step 803). In one embodiment, thelocation-based imaging platform 119 automatically initiates thelocation-based imaging service when the platform 119 determines that themobile device 101 associated with the user has entered the area 105. Inother embodiments, the user may manually initiate the service when theuser enters the fixed geographical area 105 by actuating a command(e.g., a button, menu selection, movement) on the mobile device 101.Within the fixed geographical area 105, the user may enter and exitvarious camera zones 103 as the user moves throughout the area 105 (step805). At the same time, the platform 119 tracks the mobile device 101using positional information from the mobile device 101 to determinewhen the mobile device 101 enters a camera zone 103. By entering thecamera zone 103, the mobile device initiates activation of thepre-positioned camera or cameras within the camera zone 103 to capturean image of the user associated with the mobile device 101. The imagecapturing session continues as the user and corresponding mobile device101 travel within the fixed geographical area 105. In one embodiment,the user can end the session by exiting the fixed geographical area 105or when a predetermined time period has expired or a predeterminednumber of images have been captured.

At the end of the image capturing session, the user may access theplatform 119 (e.g., via the mobile device 101, server 121, a web portal,or the like) to preview the captured images and selected the images tocompile (step 807). As discussed above, the user may select picturesindividually or by specifying one or more queries of the metadataassociated with the pictures. For example, the user may specify that thecompilation should only include images captured on a specific theme parkride. If the user makes no selection, the platform 119 can default toselecting all of the captured images for compilation. In addition, theuser can select the template for creating the compilation (step 809).After the platform 119 completes the compilation, the user will receivethe compilation according to user-specified delivery preferences (step811).

The processes described herein for providing automatic location-basedimaging may be implemented via software, hardware (e.g., generalprocessor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),etc.), firmware or a combination thereof. Such exemplary hardware forperforming the described functions is detailed below.

FIG. 9 illustrates computing hardware (e.g., computer system) 900 uponwhich an embodiment according to the invention can be implemented. Thecomputer system 900 includes a bus 901 or other communication mechanismfor communicating information and a processor 903 coupled to the bus 901for processing information. The computer system 900 also includes mainmemory 905, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamicstorage device, coupled to the bus 901 for storing information andinstructions to be executed by the processor 903. Main memory 905 canalso be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediateinformation during execution of instructions by the processor 903. Thecomputer system 900 may further include a read only memory (ROM) 907 orother static storage device coupled to the bus 901 for storing staticinformation and instructions for the processor 903. A storage device909, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to the bus 901for persistently storing information and instructions.

The computer system 900 may be coupled via the bus 901 to a display 911,such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display, active matrixdisplay, or plasma display, for displaying information to a computeruser. An input device 913, such as a keyboard including alphanumeric andother keys, is coupled to the bus 901 for communicating information andcommand selections to the processor 903. Another type of user inputdevice is a cursor control 915, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursordirection keys, for communicating direction information and commandselections to the processor 903 and for controlling cursor movement onthe display 911.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the processes describedherein are performed by the computer system 900, in response to theprocessor 903 executing an arrangement of instructions contained in mainmemory 905. Such instructions can be read into main memory 905 fromanother computer-readable medium, such as the storage device 909.Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory905 causes the processor 903 to perform the process steps describedherein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement mayalso be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory905. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used inplace of or in combination with software instructions to implement theembodiment of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are notlimited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The computer system 900 also includes a communication interface 917coupled to bus 901. The communication interface 917 provides a two-waydata communication coupling to a network link 919 connected to a localnetwork 921. For example, the communication interface 917 may be adigital subscriber line (DSL) card or modem, an integrated servicesdigital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a telephone modem, or anyother communication interface to provide a data communication connectionto a corresponding type of communication line. As another example,communication interface 917 may be a local area network (LAN) card (e.g.for Ethernet™ or an Asynchronous Transfer Model (ATM) network) toprovide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wirelesslinks can also be implemented. In any such implementation, communicationinterface 917 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or opticalsignals that carry digital data streams representing various types ofinformation. Further, the communication interface 917 can includeperipheral interface devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB)interface, a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card InternationalAssociation) interface, etc. Although a single communication interface917 is depicted in FIG. 9, multiple communication interfaces can also beemployed.

The network link 919 typically provides data communication through oneor more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link919 may provide a connection through local network 921 to a hostcomputer 923, which has connectivity to a network 925 (e.g. a wide areanetwork (WAN) or the global packet data communication network nowcommonly referred to as the “Internet”) or to data equipment operated bya service provider. The local network 921 and the network 925 both useelectrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals to convey informationand instructions. The signals through the various networks and thesignals on the network link 919 and through the communication interface917, which communicate digital data with the computer system 900, areexemplary forms of carrier waves bearing the information andinstructions.

The computer system 900 can send messages and receive data, includingprogram code, through the network(s), the network link 919, and thecommunication interface 917. In the Internet example, a server (notshown) might transmit requested code belonging to an application programfor implementing an embodiment of the invention through the network 925,the local network 921 and the communication interface 917. The processor903 may execute the transmitted code while being received and/or storethe code in the storage device 909, or other non-volatile storage forlater execution. In this manner, the computer system 900 may obtainapplication code in the form of a carrier wave.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing instructions to the processor 903 forexecution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, suchas the storage device 909. Volatile media include dynamic memory, suchas main memory 905. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copperwire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus 901.Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, orelectromagnetic waves, such as those generated during radio frequency(RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms ofcomputer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexibledisk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM,CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, opticalmark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or otheroptically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM,any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in providinginstructions to a processor for execution. For example, the instructionsfor carrying out at least part of the embodiments of the invention mayinitially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. In such ascenario, the remote computer loads the instructions into main memoryand sends the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modemof a local computer system receives the data on the telephone line anduses an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signaland transmit the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such asa personal digital assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector onthe portable computing device receives the information and instructionsborne by the infrared signal and places the data on a bus. The busconveys the data to main memory, from which a processor retrieves andexecutes the instructions. The instructions received by main memory canoptionally be stored on storage device either before or after executionby processor.

While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to suchembodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the presented claims andvarious obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing location-based images orsounds, the method comprising: receiving, from a mobile deviceassociated with a user, over a communication network, positionalinformation corresponding to a location of the mobile device, whereinthe mobile device is capable of processing and transmitting thepositional information over the communication network; determiningwhether the location is within a zone including a pre-positioned camerabased on the received positional information; initiating a tracking ofthe location based on a determination that the location is within thezone; determining, from a profile associated with the user, whether oneor more images or sounds of the user or other person in proximity withthe user are to be captured in an automatic mode or in a manual mode;and retrieving the one or more images or sounds of the user or otherperson in proximity with the user from the pre-positioned camera basedon the tracking, wherein the pre-positioned camera is activated tocapture the one or more images or sounds on a continual basisindependently of the positional information when the one or more imagesor sounds are to be captured in the automatic mode, and wherein, whenthe one or more images or sounds are to be captured in the manual mode,the pre-positioned camera is activated to capture the one or more imagesor sounds based on one or more of: receiving a signal from the mobiledevice, detecting that the user or the other person in proximity withthe user has looked at the pre-positioned camera for a predeterminedperiod of time, or detecting sound associated with the user or the otherperson in proximity with the user.
 2. A method according to claim 1,wherein the positional information is received in real time.
 3. A methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the positional information is received ascached positional information, and the method further comprising:correlating the cached positional information to the one or more imagesor sounds.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the location iswithin a fixed geographical area containing a plurality of zonesincluding one or more pre-positioned cameras, and the method furthercomprising: initiating the reception of the positional information whenthe user enters the fixed geographical area; and ending the reception ofthe positional information when the user exits the fixed geographicalarea; wherein the one or more pre-positioned cameras capture a pluralityof images or sounds of the user while the user is in the fixedgeographical area.
 5. A method according to claim 4, further comprising:compiling the plurality of images or sounds according to one or moreuser-selectable templates; and initiating delivery of the compilation tothe user.
 6. A method according to claim 4, further comprising: addingmetadata to the plurality of images or sounds; receiving input, from theuser, for selecting one or more of the plurality of images or soundsbased on the corresponding metadata; compiling the images or soundsselected by the user; and initiating delivery of the compilation to theuser.
 7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the metadata includelocation, nearest attraction, date, time of day, or a combinationthereof.
 8. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:initiating transmission of the one or more images or sounds to themobile device.
 9. A method according to claim 1, wherein the one or moreimages are individual images or video sequences.
 10. An apparatus forproviding location-based images or sounds, the apparatus comprising: acommunication interface configured to receive, from a mobile deviceassociated with a user, over a communication network, positionalinformation corresponding to a location of the mobile device, whereinthe mobile device is capable of processing and transmitting thepositional information over the communication network; and an imagingmodule configured to: determine whether the location is within a zoneincluding a pre-positioned camera based on the received positionalinformation, initiate a tracking of the location based on adetermination that the location is within the zone, determine, from aprofile associated with the user, whether one or more images or soundsof the user or other person in proximity with the user are to becaptured in an automatic mode or in a manual mode, and retrieve the oneor more images or sounds of the user or other person in proximity withthe user from the pre-positioned camera based on the tracking, whereinthe pre-positioned camera is activated to capture the one or more imagesor sounds on a continual basis independently of the positionalinformation when the one or more images or sounds are to be captured inan automatic mode, and wherein, when the one or more images or soundsare to be captured in the manual mode, the pre-positioned camera isactivated to capture the one or more images or sounds based on more ormore of: receiving a signal from the mobile device, detecting that theuser or the other person in proximity with the user has looked at thepre-positioned camera for a predetermined period of time, or detectingsound associated with the user or the other person in proximity with theuser.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the positionalinformation is received in real time.
 12. An apparatus according toclaim 10, wherein the positional information is received as cachedpositional information, and wherein the imaging module is furtherconfigured to correlate the cached positional information to one or moreimages or sounds.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein thelocation is within a fixed geographical area containing a plurality ofzones including one or more pre-positioned cameras, and the apparatusfurther comprising: a communication interface configured to: initiatethe reception of the positional information when the user enters thefixed geographical area, and end reception of the positional informationwhen the user exits the fixed geographical area, wherein the one or morepre-positioned cameras capture a plurality of images or sounds of theuser while the user is in the fixed geographical area.
 14. An apparatusaccording to claim 13, further comprising: a compilation moduleconfigured to compile the plurality of images or sounds according to oneor more user-selectable templates and to initiate delivery of thecompilation to the user.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 13, furthercomprising: a metadata module configured to add metadata to theplurality of images or sounds; and a compilation module configured to:receive input from the user for selecting one or more of the pluralityof images or sounds based on the corresponding metadata, compile theimages or sounds selected by the user, and initiate delivery of thecompilation to the user.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 15, whereinthe metadata include at least one of: location, nearest attraction,date, or time of day.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 10, furthercomprising: a communication interface configured to initiatetransmission of the one or more images or sounds to the mobile device.18. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the one or more imagesare individual images or video sequences.
 19. A system for providinglocation-based images or sounds, the system comprising: a location-basedimaging platform configured to: subscribe a mobile device associatedwith a user to a location-based imaging service, generate a profile forthe user based on user preferences, receive positional information fromthe mobile device corresponding to a location of the mobile device overa communication network, wherein the mobile device is capable ofprocessing and transmitting the positional information over thecommunication network, determine whether the location is within a zoneincluding a pre-positioned camera, based on the received positionalinformation, initiate a tracking of the location based on adetermination that the location is within the zone, determine, from theprofile, whether the location-based imaging service is to be operated inan automatic mode or a manual mode, and retrieve one or more images orsounds of a user or other person in proximity with the user from thepre-positioned camera based on the tracking, wherein the pre-positionedcamera is activated to capture the one or more images or sounds on acontinual basis independently of the positional information when thelocation-based imaging service is to be operated in an automatic mode,and wherein, when the location-based imaging service is to be operatedin a manual mode, the pre-positioned camera is activated to capture theone or more images or sounds based on one or more of: receiving a signalfrom the mobile device, detecting when the user or the other person inproximity with the user has looked at the pre-positioned camera for apredetermined period of time, or detecting sound associated with theuser or the other person in proximity with the user.
 20. A systemaccording to claim 19, wherein the location is within a fixedgeographical area containing a plurality of zones including one or morepre-positioned cameras, and wherein the location-based imaging platformis further configured to: initiate the reception of the positionalinformation when the user enters the fixed geographical area, and endthe reception of the positional information when the user exits thefixed geographical area, and wherein the one or more pre-positionedcameras capture a plurality of images or sounds of the user while theuser is in the fixed geographical area.
 21. A system according to claim20, wherein the location-based imaging platform is further configuredto: compile the plurality of images or sounds according to one or moreuser-selectable templates, and initiate delivery of the compilation tothe user.
 22. A system according to claim 20, wherein the location-basedimaging platform is further configured to: add metadata to the pluralityof images or sounds, receive input from the user for selecting one ormore of the plurality of images or sounds based on the correspondingmetadata, compile the images or sounds selected by the user, andinitiate delivery of the compilation to the user.
 23. A system accordingto claim 22, wherein the metadata include at least one of: location,nearest attraction, date, or time of day.